People often think of their wedding day as one of the best days of their lives. But Kayley Stead’s happiness quickly turned to sadness when Norton, the man she had been with for almost four years, didn’t show up. The wedding was set to take place at the Oxwich Bay Hotel in Swansea, Wales, on September 15, 2022. Even though she was sad, Kayley decided to go ahead with the wedding even though the man couldn’t be found. Without the groom, she walked down the aisle, ate, listened to speeches, and danced the night away with her bridal party and family.
Kayley said that the wedding was very expensive and that she had spent £12,000 of her life’s money on it. Not only did Kayley have to deal with an unfaithful groom, but she also had to cancel her vacation and give her ex-partner’s things back to his family.
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Meet Kayley, a girl who was brave enough to keep having her wedding party even though her groom didn’t show up.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
Bored Panda has gotten in touch with Kayley Stead to find out more about what she thought and felt on September 15th. First, we asked her how she felt when she found out that the groom wasn’t there for their wedding. She told us, “When I first heard he had left, I was sure he would come back and that he had just gone away to calm his worries. Then, when I knew for sure, I was crushed. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t told me himself. That his family and friends told me the news I’ve always said that how he left me hurts more than the fact that he left me. He didn’t have enough respect for me to talk to me face-to-face. But now that I’m older, I think it was the best thing he did for me, because if he hadn’t, it could have led to a split. He gave me a chance to make something good out of something bad, so I did!”
The event took place at the Swansea, Wales, Oxwich Bay Hotel.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
We wanted to know if there were any signs that he wasn’t sure he wanted to get married or had some doubts. Kayley said, “I didn’t expect it at all. We both planned to get married, so the wedding was something we both wanted to do.”
When asked how the guests felt about this change to the wedding, Kayley said, “They were upset for me and worried about me and my health.” But when they found out I wanted to go on with the day, they stood by me and went along for the ride.”
After that, Norton’s father brought the message that the man would not be at the wedding.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
When Kayley’s sister heard the news, she had to fix her makeup and suggested that the big day still happen.
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
Since this story took some surprising turns, we wanted to know how the idea of keeping the party going came up and who started it. Kayley said, “After I heard the news and my sister had to fix my makeup, I told her I was sad that people had spent so much money to be here today. I told her that a small part of me wanted to keep going and spend time with people I cared about but hadn’t seen in a while. She asked, “Why don’t you?” What’s stopping you?’ I asked her if it would be embarrassing or what would happen if no one stayed. She told me that people would stay if I did, so I said, “Let’s do it!”
The bride and her guests wanted to enjoy the day even without a groom
Image credits: Kayley Stead
Kayley chose to stay for the rest of the party, and she did her wedding entrance.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
When asked about her life after this sad event, Kayley said, “Right now, I’m good.” I also just lost my mother, so I’ve been through two different kinds of grief: the loss of a relationship and the loss of a mother. But all in all, I’m doing fine. I’m a person, so I have good and bad days. I’m just glad I got to spend a special day with my mom.”
Then she said, “I just hope that whoever reads this learns from my experience that what other people do doesn’t define you; how you deal with it and move on does!”
Everyone made sure the ceremony had all the standard elements, such toasts, that one would expect at a wedding.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
During this difficult time, the guests gave the bride their best wishes and support.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
Everyone could also eat a delicious cake made for the event.
Image credits: Kayley Stead
Kayley cut the cake and broke the top layer with the help of her best friends.
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
The party was fun, and the people made sure to take pictures of it.
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
Kayley spent her first dance with the guys, her brothers, and her father, Brian.
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
Image credits: Kayley Stead
The party went late into the night because everyone wanted to make it special for Kayley.
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
Later, Kayley called off her trip to Turkey for her honeymoon, packed up her ex-boyfriend’s things, and sent them to his family.
Image credits: Neil Jones Photography
Best friends of the bride set up a GoFundMe page to help her pay for wedding costs.
Now, Kayley shares some insights to encourage other people struggling with some difficult situations in their lives
Image credits: Kayley Stead
She says: “Someone else’s actions don’t define you, how you react and overcome it defines you!”
Image credits: Kayley Stead
